Senate Prepares Vote on Social Security Expansion for Public Sector Retirees

The Social Security Fairness Act seeks to repeal provisions reducing benefits for public workers, but critics warn of fiscal consequences.

The Senate is expected to vote this week on the Social Security Fairness Act, which aims to repeal the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO).
These provisions currently reduce Social Security benefits for about 2.8 million retirees, including teachers, firefighters, and police officers, as well as their spouses.
The bill has bipartisan support, with 62 Senate cosponsors, and passed the House last month in a 327-75 vote, but time is running short before the congressional session ends Friday.
Critics argue the legislation would cost nearly $200 billion over the next decade and accelerate Social Security trust fund insolvency by six months, impacting long-term solvency.
Proponents claim the bill corrects unfair benefit reductions for public workers, while opponents suggest alternative reforms to address the funding shortfall more sustainably.